Planing float with lateral motion control

ABSTRACT

A float device which provides an on-demand change in tacking or planing direction without having to retrieve the float or adjust the float configuration. The float utilizes a float body and at least two longitudinal keel members oppositely disposed on the float body. In a first orientation, the first keel is submerged and the second keel is in the air and the float tacks in the first keel direction. A sharp pull on a tether line connected to the float causes the float body to roll 180 degrees such that second keel is submerged and the first keel is in the air and the float tacks in the second keel direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to buoyant devices and, more particularly, to atacking or planing float having lateral motion control in that theplaning direction of the float can be changed during use without theneed to retrieve and/or adjust the float device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a tethered float is used in a situation with relative movementbetween the water and the user, it is difficult to control the positionof the float. For example, a fisherman fishing in a river, using a lureattached to a float, will find that the float is carried by the currenttoward the bank of the river where it may become entangled in theovergrowth of the bank or in weeds in the shallow water. A fisherman ona moving boat will find that the float is carried to the rear of theboat and into the turbulent water area aft of the boat engine.

Several attempts have been made to overcome this problem by providing aguidable float. One such device utilizes a body having two keels, eachkeel extending orthogonally from opposite sides of the float body,wherein the keels are fixed and perpendicular with relation to eachother. The problem with this and other such prior art devices is thatthey are designed to plane in a single lateral direction. This can be aparticular problem in a situation where the fishermen is fishing offboth sides of the boat or is fishing off both sides of a river.

One more versatile prior art float design is adjustable and allowsplaning in two directions, however, in order to change the planingdirection of the float, it is necessary to remove the float from thewater and change the position of the keels by repositioning a springdetent which limits movement of the keels to a position 90 degrees fromits original position on the body.

Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a float device whichprovides planing in two different directions, without having to retrievethe float and adjust the float configuration in an opposite planingdirection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved floatdevice which provides an on demand change in planning direction withouthaving to retrieve the float or adjust the float configuration. Theseand other advantages of the present invention are provided by a floatfor use in fluid and tethered to a line, the float comprising: a floatbody having a longitudinal axis and constructed to be partiallysubmerged in the fluid, wherein the float is longitudinally bi-symmetricabout a plane through the float body; a first longitudinal keel memberextending radially from the float body; a second longitudinal keelmember extending in an opposite radial direction with respect to thefirst keel member from the float body, wherein the first keel member issubmerged in the fluid and the second keel member is above surface ofthe fluid; a means for attaching the tether line to the float body at apredetermined location; wherein the keel members can change theirorientation with respect to the surface of the fluid in response to aforce applied to the float body by movement of the tether line.

With the above, and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description and the several views illustratedin the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Better understanding of the present invention will be had when referenceis made to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical parts areidentified with identical reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the float of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the float of FIG. 1 in use with afishing line in a body of moving water;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the float of FIG. 1 in a first position anda second position, wherein the second position is achieved by movementof the tether line;

FIGS. 4A-4E are multiple views of the float of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 4Ais a top plan view, FIG. 4B is a side view, FIG. 4C is a first end view,FIG. 4D is a second end view, and FIG. 4E is a perspective view; and

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of the float deviceof the present invention showing alternate hole and attachmentconfigurations for a tether line shown in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which shows anembodiment of a float of the present invention generally designated aselement 10. Float 10 comprises a float body 20 having a longitudinalaxis 22, a first longitudinal keel member 30 extending radially from thefloat body 20 and a second longitudinal keel member 40 extending in anopposite radial direction with respect to the first keel member 30 fromthe float body 20. The float 10 is longitudinally bi-symmetric about aplane through the float body 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thekeel members 30, 40 are positioned orthogonal to the float body 20 in acoplanar relationship. Float 10 further comprises a means 50, 52 forattaching a tether line 60 (see FIG. 2) to the float body 20 at apredetermined location. It is noted that the float body is not intendedto be limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and that it iscontemplated that innumerable variations are possible without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the float 10 is shown in a fishing applicationin a body of moving water such as a river. The float body 20 is designedand constructed to be partially submerged in a fluid 80 such as water.Tether line 60 in the form of a fishing line is attached on one end to afloat body by means 50 for attaching and on the other end to areel/fishing pole 90. A hook line 62 extends from the means 52 forattaching and includes a lure 64 in the form of a baited hook at an endthereof. In an alternate embodiment, not shown, the hook is attacheddirectly to the float as a lure. The means 50, 52 for attaching a tetherline 60 (or hook line 62) may be an eyelet wherein each line 60, 62 isseparate and attached to each eyelet. In addition, it is alsocontemplated that any of a number of known mechanisms may be used toconnect a line 60 to the float 10 without breaking the line 60. Means50, 52 may comprise apertures having a through hole 54 therebetween (seeFIG. 3). Through hole 54 provides easy adjustability without breakingthe line 60. A mechanism such as a cylindrical wedge or plug (not shown)can be placed in the hole 54 to hold the line 60 in place or anobstruction, such as split shot (not shown), can be placed on the line60 to set the distance from the float 10 to the hook 64. It is alsocontemplated that a tube (not shown) or sleeve could be incorporated inthe through hole 54 and secured therein by an interference fit. The tubesleeve could be extended from the hole 54 to allow adjustment of workpoints for improved planing or rolling performance as will be describedin greater detail below with regard to operation of float 10.

The operation of float 10 is shown first with reference to FIG. 2. Thefloat 10 is cast in the water 80 flowing at a velocity 82 using fishingpole 90 such that the float body 20 is partially submerged in the water80 and wherein the first keel member 30 is submerged in the water andthe opposite keel member 40 is oriented upward out of the water 80. Thekeels are positioned longitudinally along their longitudinal axis in adirection shown by arrow 22. In the configuration shown, the flowingstream 82 will cause the fishing line 60 to grow taut and the flowingstream will react against the first keel 30 in such a manner that thevector of the resulting forces will be against the line 60 and in thedirection of the arrow 84. As long as the stream is flowing, the waterwill create a force against the first keel 30 and, as long as thefisherman maintains the line 60 in a given position, the float 10 willmaintain its position regardless of the action of the flowing water 82.

A novel feature of the present invention is best shown in FIG. 3. Areview of the geometry of float 10 will show that the float 10 willassume either a first or second position in the water 80 and that eachposition will produce a different result. In a first position, as shownby the solid lines, the current forces will keep the float 10 in astationary position as discussed with relation to FIG. 2. The solidlines of FIG. 3 represent a plan view of the stationary float positionshown in FIG. 2.

The user of the present invention can change the orientation of thefloat 10 by causing a sudden tension on the tether line 60. The suddentensile force is resisted more by the immersed keel than the keel in theair. The difference in the resistance of the fluid verses the gas (air)also causes the portion of the body on the side of the tether line tosubmerge and initiate a rolling reaction. The reaction caused by theforce on the tether line 60 causes the float 10 to roll over, and thekeel members 30, 40 can change their orientation with respect to thesurface of the water 80 such that the previously submerged keel memberbecomes above water and the previously out of water keel member becomessubmerged as shown by the float 10 in the dashed lines. The float 10will now move in a direction in the vector of the resulting forces ofthe water and the longitudinal orientation of the keel. The float'sunique design incorporates balance, shape, and buoyancy to allow it toeasily roll over, stabilize, and reverse its lateral direction of motionupon demand by the user.

The float 10 of the present invention can also be used in stationaryfluid such as a pond. Upon retrieval of the float 10, by flipping thefloat 10 between positions, the float 10 can produce a retrieval in azigzag pattern of desired lengths that can produce different directionsof attack that may be more successful in attracting a fish.

The various views of the float 10 are shown in FIGS. 4A-4E. The floatcan be a single piece molded body, i.e. foam injection, or a two-pieceinterlocking body, i.e. die cut. The interior of the float 10 can behollow to provide a location for ballast to adjust balance and/orbuoyancy of the float 10. The top and bottom fins or keels 30, 40 areused to cut through the water and would typically be of identical shapeand size. Weights (not shown) may be utilized at the ends of the keelsto assist in stability and rollover of the float. Tapered ends 32, 42may be provided on one or more ends of the keels, 30, 40. It is alsocontemplated that one or more of the surfaces on one or more of thefins, or the fin itself, can have an axial curve or curves to provide avertical and/or horizontal vibrating action when cutting through water80. Tapered ends 22, 24 may be provided on one or more ends of the floatbody 20. The float body 20 is shown as an oval shape, however, it is notintended to be limited as such. The float body 20 can be of any shape orsize that provides balance, stability, and assists in rollover of thefloat 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, alternate embodiments of the float 10′ areshown having a through hole 54′ and a through hole 54″ representingdifferent attachment locations for the tether line (not shown). Theattachment of the tether line 60 must be in a location such that asudden tug on the tether line will initiate rollover of the float 10′.The tether line is not required to go through the float body 20. Aportion 66 of the tether line can be attached along the periphery of thebody 20 as shown in FIG. 5.

The float 10 may also be used as a rescue device. The float of thepresent invention, made of an appropriate size and materials, couldeliminate the rescuer's need to be accurate with the throw and eliminatethe possibility of having to retrieve and throw again by being acontrollable float that can stretch out a line in front of the path ofthe person in need of rescue. As a life-saving rescue buoy, the floatmay be configured to contain rescue signaling devices. It is alsocontemplated that the float can have any other attachments supplementalto rescue.

It is contemplated that additional variations of the present inventionare possible. For example, known release mechanisms used on diving andfloating trolling devices that allow the body to slide down the linewhen retrieving a fish and provide complete roll-up of the line could beincorporated in the present invention. Known release mechanisms used ondiving and floating trolling devices designed to relieve the float'sresistance when retrieving a fish could be incorporated in the presentinvention. Known electric lights, glow paint, or glow sticks can beadded to the present invention for night fishing or night rescue. Knownmechanical or electric sound producers can be inserted or attached tothe float of the present invention. Pin or paddle wheels can be attachedto attract fish.

A shifting ballast could be added internally or externally to providemechanical advantage for control of the float of the present invention.A cam on a spindle could be used to control line slippage through thehole under some of the float's steady states. These and other variationsmay be added to the float of present invention without altering thescope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described above in detail, thesame is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be takenas a limitation on the present invention.

1. A float for use in fluid and tethered to a line, the floatcomprising: a float body having a longitudinal axis; a firstlongitudinal keel member extending radially from the float body; asecond longitudinal keel member extending in an opposite radialdirection with respect to the first keel member from the float body;wherein the first keel member is submerged in the fluid and the secondkeel member is above surface of the fluid; and a means for attaching thetether line to the float body at a predetermined location; wherein thekeel members can reverse their orientation with respect to the surfaceof the fluid in response to a force applied to the float body bymovement of the tether line such that the float will change directions;wherein the means for attaching the tether line to the float body at apredetermined location comprises a through hole extending through thefloat body; wherein the through hole has an outlet hole along theperiphery of the float body between an end of the body and thelongitudinal midpoint of the float.
 2. The float of claim 1 furthercomprising a means for attaching a towed line.
 3. The float of claim 2,wherein the towed line has a fishing lure attached thereto.
 4. The floatof claim 1, wherein the through hole has an inlet hole along theperiphery of the float body generally near the longitudinal midpoint ofthe float.
 5. The float of claim 1, wherein the float body is generallyoval shaped.
 6. The float of claim 1, wherein the float body and keelmembers form an axially symmetric member.
 7. The float of claim 1,wherein the float is laterally bi-symmetric about a plane through thefloat body.
 8. The float of claim 1, wherein at least one of the keelmembers has a portion formed as an axial curve.
 9. The float of claim 1,wherein at least one end of each keel member has a tapered widthportion.
 10. The float of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the bodyportion has a tapered width portion.
 11. The float of claim 1, whereinat least one end of the body portion has a tapered width portion and atleast one end of each keel member has a tapered width portion.
 12. Afloat for use in fluid and tethered to a line, the float comprising: afloat body having a longitudinal axis and constructed to be partiallysubmerged in the fluid, wherein the float is longitudinally bi-symmetricabout a plane through the float body; a first longitudinal keel memberextending radially from the float body; a second longitudinal keelmember extending in an opposite radial direction with respect to thefirst keel member from the float body; wherein the first keel member issubmerged in the fluid and the second keel member is above surface ofthe fluid; and a means for attaching the tether line to the float bodyat a predetermined location; wherein the float body will rotate 180degrees along its longitudinal axis in response to a sharp force appliedto the float body by movement of the tether line; wherein the means forattaching the tether line to the float body at a predetermined locationcomprises a through hole extending through the float body; wherein thethrough hole has an inlet hole alone the periphery of the float bodygenerally near the longitudinal midpoint of the float.
 13. The float ofclaim 12 further comprising a means for attaching a towed line.
 14. Afloat for use in fluid and tethered to a line, the float comprising: afloat body having a longitudinal axis and constructed to be partiallysubmerged in the fluid, wherein the float is longitudinally bi-symmetricabout a plane through the float body; a first longitudinal keel memberextending radially from the float body; a second longitudinal keelmember extending in an opposite radial direction with respect to thefirst keel member from the float body; wherein the first keel member issubmerged in the fluid and the second keel member is above surface ofthe fluid; and a means for attaching the tether line to the float bodyat a predetermined location; wherein the float body will rotate 180degrees along its longitudinal axis in response to a sharp force appliedto the float body by movement of the tether line; wherein the means forattaching the tether line to the float body at a predetermined locationcomprises a through hole extending through the float body; wherein thethrough hole has an outlet hole along the periphery of the float bodybetween an end of the body and the longitudinal midpoint of the float.15. A method for changing the tack direction of a float, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a float comprising a float bodyhaving a predetermined shape and a longitudinal axis, wherein the floatbody is constructed to be partially submerged in the fluid, a firstlongitudinal keel member extending radially from the float body, and asecond longitudinal keel member extending in an opposite radialdirection with respect to the first keel member from the float body,wherein the first keel member is coplanar to the second keel member;attaching a first end of a tether line to the float body; placing thefloat in a fluid such that the first keel member is submerged in thefluid and the opposite keel member is out of the fluid, resulting in afirst direction of the float; and applying a sharp tensile force to thetether line such that the resistance of the fluid against the first keelmember causes the float to rotate about its longitudinal axis by 180degrees such that the second keel member is submerged in the fluid andthe first keel member is out of the water, resulting in a seconddirection of the float.